AdultFriendFinder.com is one of the largest online dating sites out there and now it’s suffered a hack attack that’s exposed a hefty portion of its 64 million members: According to a new report, the data of up to four million users of the hookup site has been exposed.

Information like sexual preference, marital status and other personal data (dates of birth, email addresses and addresses) for as many as 4 million members may have been stolen, reports the UK’s Channel 4 news agency (via USAToday), after the news outlet investigated the “dark web.”

The site is now in touch with law enforcement security firm FireEye to investigate the data breach. AdultFriendFinder is part of the FriendFinder Networks group of sites, which says it has more than 600 million members on its 40,000 sites.

This particular community advertises itself as a place to “Hookup, Find Sex or Meet Someone Hot Now,” as well as share video cams and chat online.

Channel 4 reports that its investigation led to a forum where a hacker posted the details of about 3.9 million AdultFriendFinder users. Within hours of the breach, hackers on that forum said they intended to send out spam emails to victims, with one user telling Channel 4 he received emails containing viruses since his information went public. This, though he’d deleted his account previously on the site.

“I deleted my account, so I thought the information had gone,” he said. “These sites are meant to be secure.”

The company confirmed to USA Today that it has “begun working closely with law enforcement and launched a comprehensive investigation with the help of leading third-party forensics expert, Mandiant,” which is owned by FireEye. That company has helped investigate major breaches at CareFirst, Target, JP Morgan Chase, Sony Pictures and Anthem.

“FriendFinder Networks Inc. has only just been made aware of this potential issue and understands and fully appreciates the seriousness of the issue,” the company said.

Though Channel 4 cited up to four million members exposed, the company didn’t clarify how large the breach is or which regions were affected.

“Until the investigation is completed, it will be difficult to determine with certainty the full scope of the incident, but we will continue to work vigilantly to address this potential issue and will provide updates as we learn more from our investigation,” FriendFinder’s statement continued. “We cannot speculate further about this issue, but rest assured, we pledge to take the appropriate steps needed to protect our customers if they are affected.”

Adult dating site hack exposes millions of users [Channel 4]
Large online dating site AdultFriendFinder confirms data breach [USA Today]

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